[OSM-talk] [OSM-dev] The Mapper's Plight

[Nick Black]

On 1/25/07, Dave <osm.list at randomjunk.co.uk> wrote:
> On 1/25/07, Raphaël Jacquot <sxpert at sxpert.org> wrote:
> > Nick Whitelegg wrote:
> > >
> > >
> > >> "No photography please sir"
> > >> "Oh, I'm just taking a picture of the station sign"
> > >> "You're not allowed to take pictures of South West Trains property
> > >> without permission"
> > >> "I'm standing on a public pavement, I think you're probably wrong"
> > >> "You can call SWT Head Office to check if you like"
> > >
> > > This can't be serious can it? Getting done for taking photos of a
> station??? Sounds like something from Cold War Russia....
> > >
> > > Nick
> >
> > no, that's call "september 11 bullshit"
>
> More to do with over enthusiastic enforcement of SWT policy. Lots of people
> don't like you taking pictures on private property... if you've ever tried
> to take a photo in an inside shopping centre you'll realise this. None of
> the security people who ask you to desist can ever actually give a reason
> beyond "it's policy".
> In the case of SWT the official explanation is public safety, as using
> flashes, or tripods on platforms may cause issues of dazzling drivers or
> obstructing routes. There's actually bylaws in the UK which prohibit
> photography on much of the railway without permission, and have been for
> many many years. And for those coming to London, it should be pointed out
> that it is illegal to take photos on any London Underground property... for
> no apparent reason other than I think they charge for it... and "terrorism".
> The dude who challeged me in Wandsworth was a SWT station guard who was
> directing people to rail replacement bus services... he obviously wasn't
> used to being on a public pavement, and I guarantee that SWT training does
> not extend to the finer points of accepted photography law in England. I got
> the distinct impression he considered me a naive wayward youth to whom he
> would represent an authority figure... I can't remember the exact words he
> was using, but I'm fairly sure "young man" came into it fairly early on.
>
> Luckily taking photos of street signs is definitely completely legal, and
> there's nothing anything anybody can do to stop you. I wouldn't get into any
> arguments about it with the police though,

http://blacksworld.net/blog/?p=62

I would whole heartedly encourage arguing with the police.  Someone has to.

 especially if you've been mapping
> the location of litter bins :-/
>
>
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>


-- 
Nick Black
--------------------------------
http://www.blacksworld.net